Posts Tagged ‘personal development’

I can’t believe it’s been over two years since I last posted on this site! The past two years have been eventful and not-so-eventful simultaneously.

Very long story…let me sum up.

Two summers ago I was working as CFO of Destiny Image and Publisher of Sound Wisdom. At the end of that summer, I had the opportunity to step into the President role of the newly formed parent company, Nori Media Group.

What a roller coaster ride. Nori Media Group is a family-owned business primarily in the rapidly changing industry of book publishing.

I dove in with grandiose visions of transforming the company into a conglomerate making 10x the sales and profit.

Last summer (less than a year in) I found myself extremely discouraged that the transformation hadn’t taken place yet!

The role of company president has taught me huge lessons about myself, my relationships, my abilities, my potential, my passions. And I’m still learning. Maybe even more now than two years ago!

This year I hit a point where I was forced to re-evaluate my priorities. I was allowing my JOB to take over my life–not just my time–my energy, my emotions, my vision of the future. I literally HAD to take a step back to recognize the other dimensions of my little world.

So one of the passions that I’ve recently reconnected to is the topic of money. Financial freedom is an area of interest I’ve had for MANY years. Especially the lifestyle that financial freedom allows. By reprioritizing and making sure I invest time for those people, things and experiences that give me joy, life is better.

After re-evaluating and revising my schedule, I am still active as president of Nori Media Group. I still see the potential to 10x that company. Book publishing is changing–there are even more formats and channels to get important messages to the audiences that most need them.

Get Off Your Attitude by Ryan C. Lowe is one of my favorite books right now. I should tell you that I’m biased. This is the first book that I was involved in from beginning to end of the publishing process at Sound Wisdom. Needless to say, I think it’s a great book. Here’s why:

Ryan has lived out what he talks about. He’s been through some tough stuff in life. Yet every time I talk with him he is Mr. Upbeat. Always positive. Always seeing the bright side of situations.

This book has great stories. Ryan ties the teaching principles to stories. Read about the time he was shot. How he failed in business. Got dumped by his girlfriend. Learn about his sweet grandma.

The lessons always point to the ways you have control over your life and outcomes in your life. Don’t be a victim!

By the way, Ryan Lowe is a super nice guy. The kind of guy you’d wish all the success in the world to. So read his book. Hear him speak. Visit his website. Oh, and after you read the book be sure to “Like” it and give it a positive review on Amazon or wherever you buy and review books. Thanks!!

I picked up Chris Widener’s The Art of Influence in the Atlanta airport this week. I like Chris’s books because they are short, fun to read, and always packed with practical insights to live a more successful life. Chris is also an excellent speaker. As I listened to the CD in this month’s Success magazine, I heard the news that Chris is running for the US Senate. I wish him the best in that race and hope he hangs on to his values when he gets into the political arena at that level!

In The Art of Influence, Chris once again weaves an enjoyable, fast-moving story. This time, he takes us through four principles of influence.

100 Ways to Motivate Yourself is the best Steve Chandler book I’ve read so far. Based on how much of this book I’ve underlined, it is one of the most useful books I’ve read in quite some time. As the title suggests, there are 100 short(2-3 pages each) topics that, if applied, will accelerate your personal development. It has taken me a couple months to work my way through 100 Ways as I’ve been reading one or two a day and really absorbing and using the tools provided. Some of my favorites:

“Create a vision of who you want to be, and then live into that vision as if it were already true.” –Arnold Schwarzeneggar

“The only thing over which you have complete control is your own mental attitude.” –Napoleon Hill

One hour of planning saves three hours of execution.

“Fear kills more people than death.” –General George Patton

“Make each day your masterpiece.” –John Wooden’s father

Advertise to yourself. Posting pictures of your goals in various places that you’ll see them frequently.